Page 190 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

He looks at me, his smile warm and soft. “Thanks for staying with me.”

“Of course.”

“Are you ready for food?” he asks with a smile. “I’m getting kind of hungry.”

“Great,” I beam, glad that he’s finally ready to eat something.

“What did you order us?” he asks curiously. “Sorry, I was so out of it, I didn’t even notice…”

“Chinese takeout,” I state dryly. “It’s greasy, unhealthy, and tasty.”

He grins, slowly returning to his usual self. “Perfect. There’s also chocolate cake in the fridge.”

“I’ll sort the food; you grab the plates.” Before I get up to move, he catches my hand, pulling it towards his lips and placing a kiss on my knuckles.

“Thank you,” he says again.

I swear my heart just skipped another beat.

Hecate, have Mercy!

*VALERIE*

“So,we’retravelingbackwith a pedophile child molester in tow?” Eric asks, scrunching his nose in disgust.

Emilien groans. “That is, unless you want him to travel back in another plane.”

“No way,” Eric frowns. “He’s the guy who hurt my cousin. I want to deliver him to the Council personally.”

“He needs to arrive in one piece please, Prince Eric,” Emilien begs. He’s always so quiet, yet anxious. I wonder how these two managed to become close friends. Eric said as a Prince of the Council, he was never part of a pack, but like all the other alphas, he chose his closest allies from the guards. Apparently, it’s a huge honor to be chosen by a prince or princess.

I can’t wait to learn all the secrets of the Council.

Eric, Emilien, and I have a lot to do today. Well, actually, Eric and Emilien have a lot of work, but I’ve decided to tag along. As Eric’s mate, I want to eventually take on some of the responsibilities of a Council representative too, and one of those responsibilities is to understand what’s going on. Fortunately, Eric appreciates my enthusiasm, it seems.

“Beta Emilien?” I look at him curiously.

“Oh. Please just call me by my name,” he cuts in politely.

“Wouldn’t that be considered improper?”

“Not at all,” Eric chimes in. “You’re right in that the Council is very hierarchical, and it is considered very disrespectful to not use titles with those who hold a higher status. But in this instance, my princess, you are my mate, so you outrank Emilien. Emilien is to be called beta by everyone aside from you and me. His rank might only be a technicality because we aren’t a pack, but the Council likes its proper hierarchy, which is why he needs to be called beta by lower ranks.”

I blink. “Wait… what does that mean for me?”

“You’re going to be a Princess of the Council soon.” He smiles proudly. “Emilien just wants to be polite.”

“Is this why he calls you prince every time?”

“Yes. However, when we’re in private, we go by first names,” Eric explains. “We’re friends, after all.”

I smile and nod before turning towards Emilien. “Then I want us to become friends too.”

Returning my smile, he says, “Thank you. I would like that very much, Lady Valerie.”

I sigh inwardly at being called Lady Valerie. But well, I have my whole life to befriend Eric’s staff. “Are the twins not joining us today?” I ask again.

Emilien shakes his head. “The twins have a mission to prepare for. They will remain here a little longer.”